Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue more info was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds review mastersons bar a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .